replace

The word “replace” means to put something new in the place of something old, broken, or lost. In plain terms, to swap one thing for another, or to put something back where it was.

“Replace” is pronounced rih-PLAYS (/ɹɪˈpleɪs/ in IPA).

Here is “replace” used in a sentence: “We need to replace the broken window before winter.”

Words with a similar meaning to “replace” include swap.

“Replace” is a verb.

“Replace” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Replace” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to put something new in the place of something old, broken, or lost.

To repair is to fix something that is broken so the original can keep working. To replace is to remove it entirely and put a new one in its place. You repair a leaking tap by mending it; you replace it by fitting a brand-new tap. Repairing keeps the old item, replacing swaps it out.

Replacing usually means a permanent swap: the new thing takes over for good, like replacing a worn tire. Substituting is often temporary or situational, putting one thing in for another for a while, as a stand-in. A substitute teacher covers for a day; a replacement teacher takes the job permanently.

Everyday examples include replacing a dead battery with a fresh one, replacing a cracked phone screen, or replacing a broken window pane. It also applies to people and ideas: a company replaces a retiring employee with a new hire, and new evidence can replace an outdated theory.